13 Best Train Board Games to Play in 2024

Get on board with these top 13 train-themed board games that will keep your game nights on the right track.
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Ticket to Ride coverRailroad Ink coverSteam cover

All aboard! If you love the clickety-clack of a train and the thrill of a great board game, you’re in for a treat. We’ve gathered a list of 13 stellar train-themed board games. We looked for games that are fun, easy to learn, and have replay value. Whether you’re a strategy fan or just love trains, there’s something here for you. So grab your conductor hat and get ready to enjoy some epic train adventures from your living room!

On this list:

13 Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Ticket to Ride is the gateway game that got us hooked on train board games. It’s easy to learn but has enough strategy to keep things interesting. Collect cards, claim routes, and try to outwit your friends. The best part? You get to pretend you’re a real train baron!

12 Railroad Ink

Railroad Ink cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 1-6
  • Play Time: 20-30 minutes

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Railroad Ink is a small but mighty game. Roll the dice and draw routes to connect exits on your board. It’s like a puzzle but with trains. Perfect for when you want something quick and satisfying.

11 Steam

Steam cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 90-120 minutes

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In Steam, you build tracks and deliver goods. It’s all about making the best routes and maximizing your profits. The game’s depth ensures it will keep you coming back for more.

10 Russian Railroads

Russian Railroads cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 120-150 minutes

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Russian Railroads is all about building the most efficient railway network. It’s an engine-building game where your decisions early on can pay off big time later. A true brain-burner!

9 Trains

Trains cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 45 minutes

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Trains combines deck-building with railroads. You build tracks and stations while buying better cards to enhance your deck. It’s like Dominion but with a train twist.

8 1846: The Race for the Midwest

1846: The Race for the Midwest cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 3-5
  • Play Time: 240 minutes

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1846 is part of the 18XX series. It’s all about earning the most money by running the best train routes. Warning: this game can get intense!

7 Age of Steam

Age of Steam cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 120 minutes

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Age of Steam is a classic. Manage your money wisely as you build your rail network. The choices are tough, but the reward is great. We’ve had some epic train battles in this one.

6 Railways of the World

Railways of the World cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 120 minutes

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Railways of the World lets you build a transportation empire. Create the best routes and deliver goods to the right cities. We love the huge map and the strategic depth.

5 First Class

First Class cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 20 minutes per player

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First Class is a card-driven train game. You’ll be completing routes and upgrading your train. It’s quick to play but has a lot going on. Perfect for when you don’t have much time but want a deep game.

4 On the Underground

On the Underground cover

  • Age Range: 7+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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In On the Underground, you aim to create the most efficient subway routes. It’s a great mix of strategy and simplicity. Plus, who doesn’t love building underground train lines?

3 TransAmerica

TransAmerica cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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If you want something simple and quick, TransAmerica is your game. Connect cities without getting blocked by your friends. It’s fast and fun, perfect for casual game nights.

2 Istanbul: The Dice Game

Istanbul: The Dice Game cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 20-40 minutes

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While not a traditional train game, Istanbul: The Dice Game lets you move goods around. It’s light, fun, and has some good strategic choices. We always have a blast playing this one.

1 Ticket to Ride: Europe

Ticket to Ride: Europe cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Ticket to Ride: Europe is the best in the list. It builds on the original with tunnels, ferries, and stations, adding more depth to the classic gameplay. It keeps the charm of the original while adding layers of fun.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.